Compare Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Dubai, Southern India & Varanasi by Globus
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 20 days |
| Price From | $ 3,849 |
| Price Per Day | $ 192 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description | Discover India, a diverse country filled with a long history, a variety of languages, amazing monuments, and a rich cultural heritage. But first, stop off in Dubai to spend time discovering its many souks (markets) and explore this exciting city on your own. Then, head to India to visit some of its most famous sights and get to know the culture through special experiences. Of course, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal, built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife. Built from 1631-1648 AD, he employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen as well as a labor force of 20,000. You’ll get the chance to see this amazing structure at sunrise, plus Agra Fort, the 16th-century red sandstone fortress where Moghul rulers lived. In 1876, Jaipur was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it has been known as the “Pink City” ever since. Here, visit the Amber Fort, built in 1592 with white marble and red sandstone.Remarkable structures are just part of India’s appeal. On this India tour, you’ll enjoy a rickshaw ride through a colorful local bazaar (a unique adventure included by Globus), a cooking demonstration of Indian food, and a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family—an out-of-the-ordinary experience offered by Globus. Another tour highlight is a visit to Ranthambore National Park. Here, three game drives give you an opportunity to see native wildlife, including the elusive leopard and Bengal tiger. You’ll also visit Mumbai, home to “Bollywood,” and Cochin, where you’ll take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways.If you’re interested in the different religions in India, you’ll get a chance to learn more inVaranasi. Here you’ll board a boat to watch the Hindu’s devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge. You’ll also witness the spritiual Gagna Aarti ceremony in the evening along the river.These are just a few of the many highlights offered on this marvelous India tour with Dubai. If you’re a traveler looking for a new adventure, this is the vacation for you! |
Day 1
ARRIVE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Welcome to Dubai! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
DUBAI. This morning, your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING begins with a WALKING TOUR through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya Quarter. Next, explore the souks (markets), including the SPICE SOUK with its aromas of exotic spices, and the GOLD SOUK with its 220 glittering shop windows. Lastly, visit BURJ KHALIFA, the world’s tallest building. Here, ascend to the AT THE TOP observation deck on the 124th floor for spectacular views and a presentation on Dubai’s history. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)NOTE:Many sites in Dubai are closed on Fridays. In these instances, today’s sightseeing will take place on day 3.
Day 3
DUBAI. Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Your Local Host will be happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of your time. (B)
Day 4
DUBAI–MUMBAI, INDIA. Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to “Bollywood.” Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in. (B)
Day 5
MUMBAI. This morning’s GUIDED TOUR includes the GATEWAY OF INDIA, Mumbai’s most famous monument, which commemorates a visit by Queen Mary. From here, cross Mumbai Harbor by ferry to the ELEPHANTA CAVES (closed Mondays), a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Mumbai and drive along Marine Drive, a seafront promenade, and see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (an open-air laundromat). You will also visit the MANI BHAVAN (former residence of Mahatma Gandhi) and the MUMBAI MUSEUM (closed Mondays). (B,L)
Day 6
MUMBAI–COCHIN. Fly to Cochin. (B)
Day 7
COCHIN. Your GUIDED TOUR starts with the Chinese Fishing Nets—the livelihood of many local fishermen—and a walk through the Jewish quarter. Next, visit the KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM which aims to preserve and educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable CRUISE on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields. (B,L)
Day 8
COCHIN–DELHI. Today, fly to Delhi. (B)
Day 9
DELHI. Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a [LF] RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit QUTUB MINAR, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)
Day 10
DELHI–AGRA. This morning, visit HUMAYUN’S TOMB and GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L)
Day 11
AGRA. Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Later, travel to AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
Day 12
AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK. Today, stop at FATEHPUR SIKRI (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a TRAIN bound for RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)
Day 13
RANTHAMBORE. Today, explore the park on MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)
Day 14
RANTHAMBORE–JAIPUR. Rise early this morning for one last GAME DRIVE in this magical land. Then, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it has been known as the “Pink City” ever since. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family, followed by a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING demonstration. (B,D)
Day 15
JAIPUR. Today, visit the amazing AMBER FORT, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Tour the interior with its intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. This afternoon, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at JANTAR MANTAR and the famous HAWA MAHAL (Palace of the Winds). Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through India. (B,D)
Day 16
JAIPUR–DELHI. Fly back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 17
DELHI–VARANASI. Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This evening, your PRIVATE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING witnesses the GANGA AARTI (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the Ganges. (B)
Day 18
VARANASI. Around dawn, board a BOAT and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. This evening, your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING witnesses the GANGA AARTI (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the Ganges. (B)
Day 19
VARANASI–DELHI. Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi. (B)
Day 20
DELHI. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
